Boys knock off Minden, again

Rallying from one point down, Gothenburg ended the final minute of play with a 9-0 run to beat Minden Saturday.

The Swedes led the majority of the contest but had to fight off a one-point deficit heading into the fourth quarter to pull out a 45-37 win.

“We came out aggressively on offense,” head coach Roger Koehler said. “We moved the ball well and took advantage of fast-break opportunities.”

Adam Speck knocked down a three-pointer to start the game before five Swede layins in the quarter. Minden however hung with Gothenburg scoring 14 points of its own including two three-point baskets as the Swedes led 17-14 after one period of action.

The second quarter was a different story for both teams. Gothenburg went nearly five minutes without scoring and Minden’s last basket came with two minutes until halftime. The two teams combined for only six baskets and 12 points as the Swedes took a 23-20 lead into the break.

“We were settling for quick shots instead of working for the best option, which may have been Tanner Borchardt,” Koehler said. “They were in foul trouble down low and we rushed some shots.”

Gothenburg talked about an offensive plan to attack Minden’s one big defender at halftime.

Trying to isolate Borchardt down low against a timid defender, Gothenburg turned the ball over and were slowed down in transition by Minden which limited shot attempts, Koehler said.

“We didn’t have a good flow of offense,” he said.

Trailing 28-27 with one quarter to play Gothenburg got back to its scoring ways knocking down 18 points and outscoring the Whippets by nine.

“I didn’t have anything to do with what was happening late in the game,” Koehler said. “Guys were out on the floor making plays and taking advantage of our size.”

With 6-8 Borchardt and 6-6 Ty Clement in the game together, Gothenburg had a different look and got good shots.

With 20 seconds remaining in regulation the Swedes executed a full-court inbound pass.

“They were guarding us man-to-man full court and had no help deep,” Koehler said. “We screened Tanner’s guy and he went deep before scoring while being fouled.”

A converted free throw and three-point play iced the game for Gothenburg as they hung on for the eight-point win.

“It’s nice for us to get two wins over a good Minden team this year,” Koehler said. “We’re progressing.”

Borchardt led the Swedes with 16 points while Minden had two players score 11.

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